Model and reality TV star Kimora Lee Simmons confirmed via her Twitter page today that she and partner Djimon Hounsou, father of one of her children, are separating.

A rep of Hounsou made a statement, and E! reports that "Djimon Hounsou and Kimora Lee Simmons have officially separated after 5½ years. Though never married, they have one child together, Kenzo Lee Hounsou, who is 3½ years old." The pair met back in 2007 and started dating then. They have never officially got married in the US, but they did have a commitment ceremony in Hounsou's native land of Benin.

Simmons' tweet reads:

"There have been quite a few hurtful rumors circulating. The truth is Djimon+I have been separated for some time. We have remained happy, loving, co-parenting friends+family. We all have much to be thankful for.#HappyThanksgiving"

Having never been married wont actually make the finances of the split any easier, because having lived together and having a child together, the law treats them as a married couple. Although, both successful and wealthy in their own right, we'd like to think they're mature enough not to let a divorce effect that 'happy, loving, co-parenting.' Simmons was married first to Russell Simmons with whom she had two children already by the time she met Hounsou. They split in 2006 and their divorce was finalised by 2009.